“Things that begin with tri, usually involve three.” Miss Lei taught our class, gently putting emphasis on some words. It was amazing how quiet she was, yet no-one misbehaved. That would make her sad. No-one wanted to make Miss Lei sad. The whole of my English class was taught in English, as many of the children in the advanced class grew up speaking English at home, and apparently it was the best way to learn a language. I wasn’t one of the children who knew that much English - I barely got by. “Does anybody know any words beginning with tri?”

Kang put his hand up as soon as she’d finished the question. I crossed my legs on the pastel yellow mat, waiting for Miss Lei to pick him. Jongup looked at me, he’d perfected raising his eyebrows the previous week, and he didn’t miss out a chance to show off his new skill. I silently dreaded the day he learnt how to whistle. Miss Lei continued to look around, pretending she had a choice. She finally gave in.

“Yes Kang-ah?”

“Triangle!”

“Very good! A triangle has three sides.” She looked around the class expectantly, “Anyone else?”

Young-Su and Chun-Hei both put their hands up.

“Yes, Chun-Hei?”

“Maybe...Tricycle?” Young-Su put her hand down hastily after hearing this answer.

“Indeed. A bicycle with three wheels.” Miss Lei looked at Young-Su. “Were you going to say tricycle too?” She nodded her head and Miss Lei smiled. “Very good, Young-Su and Chun-Hei.”

I wanted to be praised by Miss Lei, I thought she was pretty. Not just her face, but the way she carried herself. She was modest but eager, and very loving. There’s something attractive about people who love you. You can’t help but love them back.

I hesitantly raised my hand.

I could clearly see the shock on her face, it made me blush slightly. I got frustrated for going red because of simply raising my hand, but it was too late to put it back down. The reason why she was shocked was probably because I was practically mute. I was a very quiet boy, always playing with Jongup, never really going out of my way to do anything extraordinarily special, like actually speaking in front of people.

“Yes, Junhong?”

“Try your best.”

She broke into a wide smile, shaking her head in disbelief. After she got over the surprise, she quickly rushed over to her mahogany desk, to get me a special star sticker.